Are you Suffering from any of these symptoms as a result of Tinnitus? Call Today for a Consultation.

    Mild to severe anxiety
    Insomnia
    Triggered fight or flight

  Depression
  Negative thinking
  Crying spells

  Hopelessness
  Suicidal thoughts
  Ringing in the ears

Do you feel your family and friends don’t understand?
Are you growing more isolated?
Do you feel like life will never be the same?
Are you refraining from activities that you enjoy?
Are you fearful of losing your job?
Do you find that your thoughts tend to be negative?

If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions or symptoms, then we can help.

You may be a candidate for Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy, or TCRT.  Stephen Geller Katz, LCSW-R, with over 20 years of clinical experience, a New York University graduate, developed Tinnitus Cognitive Retraining Therapy and founded Tinnitus Cognitive Center™ in response to the growing number of Tinnitus sufferers coming to his private practice. He discovered that by helping people to retrain and reinterpret the thoughts around their Tinnitus, anxiety and depression symptoms began to improve. But even more important so did the Tinnitus.

Call us at (646) 213-2321 for a consultation.


See our main site: www.tinnituscognitivecenter.com
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Author Archives: Julio

Risk Factors for Tinnitus That You Can Control

Are you feeling ringing or abnormal sound in your ear? Then I regret telling you that you have developed the prominent symptoms of tinnitus. People are more susceptible towards tinnitus if they have long-term exposure to a loud workplace, a frequent sufferer of depression & stress and those who are an active musician.

Here are some preventive measures that can save you from tinnitus.

Preventive Measures

1. Many industries provide personal protective equipment to their employees. But most of them are failed to give proper training to their employees for wearing protective muffle. It is advised to those who are permanent employees of the industrial environment to wear earmuffs to keep them self-secure from a harmful condition such as tinnitus. As high decibel of noise can negatively impact the normal functioning of the ear.

2. People are more vulnerable to tinnitus if they have gone through with post-traumatic stress. The exposure to a loud environment can put them in danger of painful tinnitus. It can also induce in those who had head and neck injuries. The simple way to prevent the occurrence of tinnitus is to reduce the exposure to loud noise. Regular listening to music through headphone should also be avoided.

3. If you feel that you are gradually developing the symptoms of tinnitus, then you should keep yourself away from caffeine and nicotine-containing product that might help you to combat the occurrence of severe tinnitus. Moreover, you can distract yourself from annoying sound by involving enjoyable activities in your life.

4. As you know, every organ has a unique function in our body. In the same way, each ear also works as a protective organ that keeps your ear clean. The tiny hair and ear wax in ear work as a barrier against foreign particle. But if you are obsessed with the extra cleaning of your ear, you might put yourself at risk of developing tinnitus. As the extra cleaning of the ear can pile up more wax in your ear which could cause tinnitus symptoms.

5. If you are susceptible to certain fungal ear infection, then you end up developing the symptoms of tinnitus. Treating ear infection and regular screening help you to get rid of the achy infection and in turn reduce the risk of tinnitus. As the occurrence of ear infection on intermittent basis can increase the likelihood of tinnitus. So, it is advised you to treat the infection at an early stage by proper medication and routine checkup.

6. We become bored with day to day routine that makes us sluggish and droopy. In that case, we might develop the habit of hunchback posture. Sometimes ergonomic exposure leads to cause tinnitus when we are sitting long on the computer with the same posture. Sitting or walking straight can make your physical condition even and keep you away from tinnitus symptoms.

Speak with a tinnitus treatment specialist in NYC.

Call today for a free 15 min phone consultation 646-213-2321

 

Relationship between Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can occur due to many different reasons, and that can be of various frequencies and wavelengths. The hearing disorder cannot last long – if inner ear doesn’t experience any major injury of small and narrow frequency but the situation is reversed in case of tinnitus. This could mean that in tinnitus, ranges of high and low pitched frequencies released in eardrum can cause permanent hear loss issue.

Mechanism Of Tinnitus

Some people suggest that tinnitus originates from the cavity of the eardrum or sometimes it arises in the cochlea, in the brain stem or neural pathway. But in most of the cases, it is usually originated from cochlear. However, whatever the origin of tinnitus it’s always translated by auditory part of the brain to show abnormal sign of tinnitus and hearing disorder.

The symptom of tinnitus is carried out by the reduced nerve activity that links with the damaged part of the inner ear to CNS in the brain. These abnormal phenomena lead to trigger nerve activity which tends to show diverse and usual noises in the eardrum. The ringing in head hence does not allow the person to hear original sound of the surrounding.

Correlation Of Hearing Impairment And Tinnitus

As tinnitus and hearing loss is directly proportional to each other, some people who experience tinnitus in past months or year, they are likely to suffer from chronic hearing loss issue. It is also possible that person may receive a small proportion of hearing loss. Tinnitus symptoms are associated with various exposures which cause a certain degree of hearing impairment. This hearing impairment could give a spectrum of noises in the head that does not allow the receiver of tinnitus to perform their respective task.

As you know, tinnitus occurs due to excessive exposure to loud noise which means it leads to cause hearing impairment due to cochlear damage. In which sensitive and subtle mini hair is damaged by the loud pitched noise. As these are interrelated to each other, it’s important to investigate the previous history of hearing aliment to keep prevented from any hearing impairment.

Dreadful Tinnitus And Hearing Impairment

Those who experience inconsistent episodes of tinnitus reported that the noises in a head mask or disturb the original external sound of the surrounding. While some of them experience hearing loss due to tinnitus, so it’s become challenging for both the patient and doctor to examine whether the hearing difficulty is caused by tinnitus or by underlying hearing disability.

Bottom Line

Audiologists report that the hearing disorder always steers tinnitus. So you should keep a check on your hearing ability by seeing a healthcare professional. Always add food to diet after consulting with doctors as these can also contribute to hearing impairment. Moreover, if you work in a loud environment, wear personal protective equipment to keep prevented from harmful hearing exposure.

 

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Ear Wax Removal for Tinnitus Treatment

Ear Wax Removal for Tinnitus TreatmentFor some people, the first treatment for tinnitus will be the removal of ear wax. Even if you cannot see a significant buildup of ear wax in your ear, it may be present. For those who have developed tinnitus, or a ringing in the ear or noise in the ear, and who may have only recently begun to experience this type of noise, it may be due to the presence of ear wax. It is always a good idea to work closely with your doctor in New York City to learn more about your tinnitus symptoms. However, for many people, the first step I treatment is to remove the buildup.

Do You Have Excessive Buildup?

Ear Wax Removal for Tinnitus TreatmentEar wax is naturally produced. It is a normal component to healthy ears because the wax itself helps to protect the ear drum and inner ear. However, it is very common for wax to build up and not naturally or efficiently remove itself from the inner. If you imagine the buildup of this material in the ear, it is easy to see why you may struggle with hearing loss. The material itself can also create a place for noise to vibrate. Those vibrations can lead to tinnitus.

If the wax buildup you have touches the ear drum, this will cause a change in the pressure present in your ear. It also changes the way the ear drum vibrates. As a result, you’ll hear the movement and vibrations and, in some cases, develop tinnitus.

How Is Ear Wax Removed?

In some cases, you can begin to remove some of the exterior buildup of wax in a safe way. Do not place anything in the ear – especially anything that can push the material further into it. It is best to allow your doctor to take care of the removal process. The goal is to use ear drops to help remove the build-up in a safe and natural way. You do not want to use any type of cotton tip products. And, for a few days, do not use any type of in-ear earphones. These can further push the material into the ear.

It is a very important step to consider turning to a professional for help with this type of wax buildup as well as help with tinnitus itself. Several treatment options exist that could help to reduce your risk of developing complications.

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

 

Treating a Blood Vessel Condition Causing Tinnitus Treatment

One of the causes of tinnitus has to do with the blood vessels found within the year. Tinnitus itself is generally not a condition to worry about, but rather a symptom of an underlying cause. Most people do not have to worry about the symptom unless it becomes bothersome.

For others, though, it can signal the presence of an underlying blood vessel condition that may require further treatment. When you visit your LCSW-R in New York City, you’ll learn more if you may have what is called pulsatile tinnitus and what treatment options may be available to you for it.

What Is Pulsatile Tinnitus?

Treating a Blood Vessel Condition Causing Tinnitus TreatmentPulsatile tinnitus is one type of ear noise that some people can develop. It is not like the traditional ringing in the ear but rather a more rhythmic sound. It may correlate with your heartbeat. It may sound like a whooshing sound or it may be more of a thumping sound. It is related to the way your blood is moving through your body. Also, known as a vascular form of tinnitus, only about three percent of people who experience tinnitus will have this form. It is considered a rare instance.

It occurs in the blood vessels that are found within the neck or head. You may have increased blood flow or a specific narrowing of the opening portion of a blood vessel. In some cases, you may have both. When this is the case, it causes a turbulent blood flow through the body and this is what you hear in your ears.

Treatment for Tinnitus

There are several treatment options that may be available to you if you have this form of tinnitus. The treatment will relate to the cause. For example, some people may experience this because of hypertension. In this cases, reducing blood pressure will be key. If you have twisted arteries, another common cause of this type of sound, you may not need any type of treatment. In still other conditions, it may be related to a growth, artery disease, or tumor. These all need to be further investigated by your doctor. Most of the time, treatment for these conditions is available and may be noninvasive.

However, even though it is rare, you should report any type of pulsatile tinnitus to your doctor right away. If you are not sure, contact your LCSW-R in New York City.

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Can White Noise Machines Help Treat Tinnitus?

When it comes to treating tinnitus, there are several options available that may work for patients. One of the options your doctor may recommend is the use of sound therapy. In short, the sound can help to mask or otherwise limit the amount of sound you hear from tinnitus itself. One of the options you may learn about is a white noise machine. This type of care may be one of the least invasive treatment options that offers an effective result. Working with your LCSW-R in New York City can provide you with treatment options for your symptoms.

How can a White Noise Machine Help You?

White noise machines are newer types of treatments for tinnitus. Generally, the device will generate white noise. When used as a treatment for tinnitus, the device works to reduce the unwanted sounds significantly. Some people report that the sound is gone altogether.

White noise is a unique sound. It is made up of various frequencies of sound along the complex sound spectrum. When used at the right level, it can create a rather soothing sound. In fact, some dentists use white noise as a way to help reduce anxiety in patients.

For treatment for tinnitus, the white noise generator is a small device much like a hearing aid. You will place it on your ear or right behind the ear. The device is battery powered. And, once in place, it will produce a constant, but very low noise that sounds like a rushing sound. This sound is then transferred from the device into the ear using a small tube. This moves the sound closer to the ear drum. It is generally used in both ears, though some patients may only have it present in just one. As a neutral sound, it works very well to reduce any other ringing sound you have.

What we know about tinnitus indicates that it is generally not the presence of a real sound in the ear, but rather the brain working to turn up your hearing so it can hear better. With that understanding, then, it makes sense that, with the use of a white noise machine, it is possible to see a reducing in the amount of tinnitus heard. The white noise works because it helps to make the auditory system less sensitive to sounds in general. Work with your LCSW-R in NYC to determine if this is the right treatment for you.

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

How Can Masking Devices Help with Tinnitus?

Anyone suffering from debilitating or chronic tinnitus knows that the condition can be one of the hardest to overcome on a day to day basis. You may feel uncomfortable with everything you do. Tinnitus isn’t just an annoyance for some people. It can get in the way of many day to day activities. That’s when you may seek out treatment or a solution to the discomfort you have. When you work with our LCSW-R in New York City, you’ll learn a great deal more about your specific condition and what treatment options may work for you. One of the options that may help you is sound therapy, including masking devices.

What Is Sound Therapy?

Sound therapy is a term used to describe the use of sound in some way to improve tinnitus. This is done with the use of a device or within a clinical setting. In short, we’ll use external noise to alter your perception of or your reaction to tinnitus, or ringing in the ear. This does not cure your condition, but it may help to reduce just how much tinnitus is impacting your day to day life. And, for many, this is one of the most important steps in overcoming your limitations today.

What Is Masking Device Therapy?

How Can Masking Devices Help with TinnitusOne of the options or types of sound therapy available is masking. In short, masking exposes you to external noise that is at just the right loudness to partially or even completely cover up the tinnitus you experience. This is often done using white noise, pink noise, nature sounds, or other types of subtle sounds. The noise itself comes from the use of sound machines. With these, it is possible to see a temporary break from tinnitus.

Could this option work for you? Most of the time, masking devices are most effective during or immediately after active use. That means they do not last very long in terms of results. However, they do provide relief for many patients. It is for this reason that they are often used as one of the first treatment options for tinnitus in many men and women.

If you are experiencing a ringing in the ears that’s significant and it is causing difficulties in your daily life, reach out to our LCSW-R in New York City to learn more about your treatment options as well as the condition itself.

 

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Which Medications Can Treat Tinnitus?

Whenever possible, your doctors will recommend the use of noninvasive and non-medication solutions for your tinnitus. Why is that? Medications have side effects that can cause additional problems. More so, since tinnitus is generally a benign condition that does not usually have a concerning cause, many doctors don’t want to treat it using more aggressive methods, like the use of medications, unless it is necessary.

If you are suffering from tinnitus and you need help, your first step should be to contact our LCSW-R in New York City for more information and treatment options.

When Medications May Help

It is true that some medications can cause tinnitus. If that is the case with you (such as, you may have recently started experiencing tinnitus after starting to take a medication) your doctor will work with you to determine if another medication may be a better fit. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of medications to help you with tinnitus even if it is not brought on by them.

Medications are not cures for tinnitus. In some people, they can help to reduce just how severe it is, though, and may help to reduce any complications you have from tinnitus. Some of those medications include the following:

    • Alprazolam: This medication, often sold as Niravam or Xanax, is a tool that can help to reduce tinnitus symptoms. There are side effects including drowsiness and nausea. In addition, this medication can be habit-forming, making it used less often than others.
    • Tricyclic Antidepressants: This medication, such as nortriptyline and amitriptyline, can often be a first line of defense when giving patients medications for tinnitus. These medications have limited success, but they are often only used for severe causes. They have side effects including dry mouth, constipation, heart-related risks, and blurred vision, making them high risk to some people.

Which Medications Can Treat TinnitusShould you use medications to treat tinnitus? The answer to that depends on many factors. One of those factors is whether you’ve exhausted other types of treatment options that may work for you. When you come in to see your LCSW-R in New York City, we will talk about all of your options and offer the recommendation that is going to give you the best possible outcome with the fewest number of potential side effects or risks. Contact our offices to learn more about your options and treatments.

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Using Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus Treatment

Using Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus TreatmentTinnitus may be the type of condition that warrants medical help. Tinnitus, which is also known as a ringing in the ears, is not an uncommon condition. In some people, it becomes severe enough that it interferes with day to day life. When that happens, it can be time to turn to a trusted professional to learn more about the potential treatment options available to you. When you call our LCSW-R in New York City, you’ll learn more about tinnitus and what can be done about it. One of the ways that we can help you is by providing you with a range of treatments.

What Are Alternative Treatment Options?

The most common traditional medical treatments for tinnitus include the use of sound therapy and medications. However, many people are looking for a more holistic treatment plan and one that will provide better results for their needs. This is when you may want to consider alternative treatments. It is important to know that none of these treatments are going to cure the condition. And, some people may not see improvement from tinnitus from the use of them. Success depends on the underlying cause as well as the overall needs of the patient.

Nevertheless, there may be some help available to people who want to pursue alternative treatments for tinnitus. Some of those may include:

    • Acupuncture – This treatment focuses on improving the flow of energy through the body and is based off of Ancient Chinese methoUsing Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus Treatmentds. Many people find it can be beneficial to improving overall quality of life.
    • Hypnosis – Since tinnitus can often result from the brain’s belief that sounds are present even when they are not, hypnosis may be a treatment option for some people.
    • Supplements – There is some evidence that nutritional deficiencies can cause this condition. Some people may see the benefit of using these as a treatment as well. Some recommendations include B Vitamins, Zinc, and Ginkgo biloba. Speak to your doctor about these supplement options before you take them.

Using Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus TreatmentAlternative treatments for tinnitus can be helpful. However, your first step in treating this condition should be to seek out the help from a trusted LCSW-R in New York City. Let our team get a better understanding of what is causing your symptoms and what can be done about them. You may find that treatment for tinnitus is possible at restoring your quality of life.

 

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Changing Medications: Treating Your Tinnitus

Although many people experience tinnitus for unknown reasons, for some people it is possible to learn the underlying cause. For some, it is related to the type of medication a person is taking. It’s always important to seek out medical care for any type of tinnitus, and to do so before changing any of the medications you may be on.

It is best to always talk to your primary care doctor or the doctor that is prescribing your medications about the symptoms you develop especially if they become severe. You can also talk to your LCSW-R in New York City about tinnitus and treatment options for it.

What Types of Medications Can Cause Tinnitus?

Many types of medications are known to cause tinnitus in some people. It does not occur in all people who take these medications. And, the severity of tinnitus will change from one person to the next. Below are some of the most common medications that are known to cause tinnitus:

    • Pain medications including over the counter aspirin and ibuprofen. Some people report the condition when taking naproxen.
    • Some types of antidepressants can cause tinnitus.
    • Some blood pressure medications and related heart medications can cause tinnitus.
    • Some types of cancer drugs can also cause tinnitus.

These medications are often necessary for your care. You should not stop taking them if you develop tinnitus. That’s because tinnitus is generally not a condition that is concerning and it does not cause additional symptoms or complications in most people. However, it can be the sign of an underlying vessel concern or other related ear condition that may need further care.

What To Do If Tinnitus Becomes Overwhelming

If you’ve started taking a medication and that medication is causing you to have tinnitus on a consistent basis or even chronically, you can do something about it. You should talk to your LCSW-R in New York City to learn more about the condition and underlying cause. You can talk to your prescribing doctor about it as well. If the condition is too much to just live with, you may be able to switch to another version of the medication you are taking and that can help to reduce the symptoms.

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

What Is Tinnitus Retaining?

What Is Tinnitus RetainingSound therapy is one of the treatment options for tinnitus. It is often used because it is noninvasive and can be highly effective for some people. If you suffer from ringing in your ears that is constant or that is chronic enough that it limits your day to day activities, it is always a good idea to turn to our LCSW-R in New York City to learn more about your options as well as the treatment options that may help you.

Many people can find a treatment that fits their needs and helps them to overcome this difficult situation. One of those options in tinnitus retraining.

How Does It Work?

Tinnitus retraining is, as the name implies, a way of retraining the way you hear. It is a type of sound therapy that uses external sounds to change what you hear or what you perceive you are hearing. Many times, it can be very effective because it helps to change the way your brain processes sounds in a noninvasive and low risk way. Here’s a bit more about how it works.

What Is Tinnitus RetainingPatients who use tinnitus retraining will wear a device. This device will sit behind the ear and deliver sound to it the ear through a tube. The device will be programmed to fit your needs specifically. It will create a tonal music that works to mask the specific frequencies of the type and severity of your tinnitus. This can take a bit of time to get right. However, the goal of this procedure is to get your brain to become accustomed to the tinnitus.

As a result of this, you will learn to not focus on it. Your brain no longer notices it and that leads to reduce symptoms overall.

It is important to know that tinnitus retraining and other types of sound therapy may require additional support. This may include some aspects of counseling. That’s because of the complexity of this condition and how it impacts your brain’s way of thinking.

What Is Tinnitus RetainingIf you suffer from tinnitus or think you may have it, do not ignore it. Though it is a harmless symptom to most people, it can have underlying concerns your doctor should know about. And, with treatment options like tinnitus retraining available to you, there’s no need to put off getting the help you need from our New York City LCSW-R team. Call us to learn more.

 

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Author Archives: Julio

Risk Factors for Tinnitus That You Can Control

Are you feeling ringing or abnormal sound in your ear? Then I regret telling you that you have developed the prominent symptoms of tinnitus. People are more susceptible towards tinnitus if they have long-term exposure to a loud workplace, a frequent sufferer of depression & stress and those who are an active musician.

Here are some preventive measures that can save you from tinnitus.

Preventive Measures

1. Many industries provide personal protective equipment to their employees. But most of them are failed to give proper training to their employees for wearing protective muffle. It is advised to those who are permanent employees of the industrial environment to wear earmuffs to keep them self-secure from a harmful condition such as tinnitus. As high decibel of noise can negatively impact the normal functioning of the ear.

2. People are more vulnerable to tinnitus if they have gone through with post-traumatic stress. The exposure to a loud environment can put them in danger of painful tinnitus. It can also induce in those who had head and neck injuries. The simple way to prevent the occurrence of tinnitus is to reduce the exposure to loud noise. Regular listening to music through headphone should also be avoided.

3. If you feel that you are gradually developing the symptoms of tinnitus, then you should keep yourself away from caffeine and nicotine-containing product that might help you to combat the occurrence of severe tinnitus. Moreover, you can distract yourself from annoying sound by involving enjoyable activities in your life.

4. As you know, every organ has a unique function in our body. In the same way, each ear also works as a protective organ that keeps your ear clean. The tiny hair and ear wax in ear work as a barrier against foreign particle. But if you are obsessed with the extra cleaning of your ear, you might put yourself at risk of developing tinnitus. As the extra cleaning of the ear can pile up more wax in your ear which could cause tinnitus symptoms.

5. If you are susceptible to certain fungal ear infection, then you end up developing the symptoms of tinnitus. Treating ear infection and regular screening help you to get rid of the achy infection and in turn reduce the risk of tinnitus. As the occurrence of ear infection on intermittent basis can increase the likelihood of tinnitus. So, it is advised you to treat the infection at an early stage by proper medication and routine checkup.

6. We become bored with day to day routine that makes us sluggish and droopy. In that case, we might develop the habit of hunchback posture. Sometimes ergonomic exposure leads to cause tinnitus when we are sitting long on the computer with the same posture. Sitting or walking straight can make your physical condition even and keep you away from tinnitus symptoms.

Speak with a tinnitus treatment specialist in NYC.

Call today for a free 15 min phone consultation 646-213-2321

 

Relationship between Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can occur due to many different reasons, and that can be of various frequencies and wavelengths. The hearing disorder cannot last long – if inner ear doesn’t experience any major injury of small and narrow frequency but the situation is reversed in case of tinnitus. This could mean that in tinnitus, ranges of high and low pitched frequencies released in eardrum can cause permanent hear loss issue.

Mechanism Of Tinnitus

Some people suggest that tinnitus originates from the cavity of the eardrum or sometimes it arises in the cochlea, in the brain stem or neural pathway. But in most of the cases, it is usually originated from cochlear. However, whatever the origin of tinnitus it’s always translated by auditory part of the brain to show abnormal sign of tinnitus and hearing disorder.

The symptom of tinnitus is carried out by the reduced nerve activity that links with the damaged part of the inner ear to CNS in the brain. These abnormal phenomena lead to trigger nerve activity which tends to show diverse and usual noises in the eardrum. The ringing in head hence does not allow the person to hear original sound of the surrounding.

Correlation Of Hearing Impairment And Tinnitus

As tinnitus and hearing loss is directly proportional to each other, some people who experience tinnitus in past months or year, they are likely to suffer from chronic hearing loss issue. It is also possible that person may receive a small proportion of hearing loss. Tinnitus symptoms are associated with various exposures which cause a certain degree of hearing impairment. This hearing impairment could give a spectrum of noises in the head that does not allow the receiver of tinnitus to perform their respective task.

As you know, tinnitus occurs due to excessive exposure to loud noise which means it leads to cause hearing impairment due to cochlear damage. In which sensitive and subtle mini hair is damaged by the loud pitched noise. As these are interrelated to each other, it’s important to investigate the previous history of hearing aliment to keep prevented from any hearing impairment.

Dreadful Tinnitus And Hearing Impairment

Those who experience inconsistent episodes of tinnitus reported that the noises in a head mask or disturb the original external sound of the surrounding. While some of them experience hearing loss due to tinnitus, so it’s become challenging for both the patient and doctor to examine whether the hearing difficulty is caused by tinnitus or by underlying hearing disability.

Bottom Line

Audiologists report that the hearing disorder always steers tinnitus. So you should keep a check on your hearing ability by seeing a healthcare professional. Always add food to diet after consulting with doctors as these can also contribute to hearing impairment. Moreover, if you work in a loud environment, wear personal protective equipment to keep prevented from harmful hearing exposure.

 

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Ear Wax Removal for Tinnitus Treatment

Ear Wax Removal for Tinnitus TreatmentFor some people, the first treatment for tinnitus will be the removal of ear wax. Even if you cannot see a significant buildup of ear wax in your ear, it may be present. For those who have developed tinnitus, or a ringing in the ear or noise in the ear, and who may have only recently begun to experience this type of noise, it may be due to the presence of ear wax. It is always a good idea to work closely with your doctor in New York City to learn more about your tinnitus symptoms. However, for many people, the first step I treatment is to remove the buildup.

Do You Have Excessive Buildup?

Ear Wax Removal for Tinnitus TreatmentEar wax is naturally produced. It is a normal component to healthy ears because the wax itself helps to protect the ear drum and inner ear. However, it is very common for wax to build up and not naturally or efficiently remove itself from the inner. If you imagine the buildup of this material in the ear, it is easy to see why you may struggle with hearing loss. The material itself can also create a place for noise to vibrate. Those vibrations can lead to tinnitus.

If the wax buildup you have touches the ear drum, this will cause a change in the pressure present in your ear. It also changes the way the ear drum vibrates. As a result, you’ll hear the movement and vibrations and, in some cases, develop tinnitus.

How Is Ear Wax Removed?

In some cases, you can begin to remove some of the exterior buildup of wax in a safe way. Do not place anything in the ear – especially anything that can push the material further into it. It is best to allow your doctor to take care of the removal process. The goal is to use ear drops to help remove the build-up in a safe and natural way. You do not want to use any type of cotton tip products. And, for a few days, do not use any type of in-ear earphones. These can further push the material into the ear.

It is a very important step to consider turning to a professional for help with this type of wax buildup as well as help with tinnitus itself. Several treatment options exist that could help to reduce your risk of developing complications.

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

 

Treating a Blood Vessel Condition Causing Tinnitus Treatment

One of the causes of tinnitus has to do with the blood vessels found within the year. Tinnitus itself is generally not a condition to worry about, but rather a symptom of an underlying cause. Most people do not have to worry about the symptom unless it becomes bothersome.

For others, though, it can signal the presence of an underlying blood vessel condition that may require further treatment. When you visit your LCSW-R in New York City, you’ll learn more if you may have what is called pulsatile tinnitus and what treatment options may be available to you for it.

What Is Pulsatile Tinnitus?

Treating a Blood Vessel Condition Causing Tinnitus TreatmentPulsatile tinnitus is one type of ear noise that some people can develop. It is not like the traditional ringing in the ear but rather a more rhythmic sound. It may correlate with your heartbeat. It may sound like a whooshing sound or it may be more of a thumping sound. It is related to the way your blood is moving through your body. Also, known as a vascular form of tinnitus, only about three percent of people who experience tinnitus will have this form. It is considered a rare instance.

It occurs in the blood vessels that are found within the neck or head. You may have increased blood flow or a specific narrowing of the opening portion of a blood vessel. In some cases, you may have both. When this is the case, it causes a turbulent blood flow through the body and this is what you hear in your ears.

Treatment for Tinnitus

There are several treatment options that may be available to you if you have this form of tinnitus. The treatment will relate to the cause. For example, some people may experience this because of hypertension. In this cases, reducing blood pressure will be key. If you have twisted arteries, another common cause of this type of sound, you may not need any type of treatment. In still other conditions, it may be related to a growth, artery disease, or tumor. These all need to be further investigated by your doctor. Most of the time, treatment for these conditions is available and may be noninvasive.

However, even though it is rare, you should report any type of pulsatile tinnitus to your doctor right away. If you are not sure, contact your LCSW-R in New York City.

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Can White Noise Machines Help Treat Tinnitus?

When it comes to treating tinnitus, there are several options available that may work for patients. One of the options your doctor may recommend is the use of sound therapy. In short, the sound can help to mask or otherwise limit the amount of sound you hear from tinnitus itself. One of the options you may learn about is a white noise machine. This type of care may be one of the least invasive treatment options that offers an effective result. Working with your LCSW-R in New York City can provide you with treatment options for your symptoms.

How can a White Noise Machine Help You?

White noise machines are newer types of treatments for tinnitus. Generally, the device will generate white noise. When used as a treatment for tinnitus, the device works to reduce the unwanted sounds significantly. Some people report that the sound is gone altogether.

White noise is a unique sound. It is made up of various frequencies of sound along the complex sound spectrum. When used at the right level, it can create a rather soothing sound. In fact, some dentists use white noise as a way to help reduce anxiety in patients.

For treatment for tinnitus, the white noise generator is a small device much like a hearing aid. You will place it on your ear or right behind the ear. The device is battery powered. And, once in place, it will produce a constant, but very low noise that sounds like a rushing sound. This sound is then transferred from the device into the ear using a small tube. This moves the sound closer to the ear drum. It is generally used in both ears, though some patients may only have it present in just one. As a neutral sound, it works very well to reduce any other ringing sound you have.

What we know about tinnitus indicates that it is generally not the presence of a real sound in the ear, but rather the brain working to turn up your hearing so it can hear better. With that understanding, then, it makes sense that, with the use of a white noise machine, it is possible to see a reducing in the amount of tinnitus heard. The white noise works because it helps to make the auditory system less sensitive to sounds in general. Work with your LCSW-R in NYC to determine if this is the right treatment for you.

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How Can Masking Devices Help with Tinnitus?

Anyone suffering from debilitating or chronic tinnitus knows that the condition can be one of the hardest to overcome on a day to day basis. You may feel uncomfortable with everything you do. Tinnitus isn’t just an annoyance for some people. It can get in the way of many day to day activities. That’s when you may seek out treatment or a solution to the discomfort you have. When you work with our LCSW-R in New York City, you’ll learn a great deal more about your specific condition and what treatment options may work for you. One of the options that may help you is sound therapy, including masking devices.

What Is Sound Therapy?

Sound therapy is a term used to describe the use of sound in some way to improve tinnitus. This is done with the use of a device or within a clinical setting. In short, we’ll use external noise to alter your perception of or your reaction to tinnitus, or ringing in the ear. This does not cure your condition, but it may help to reduce just how much tinnitus is impacting your day to day life. And, for many, this is one of the most important steps in overcoming your limitations today.

What Is Masking Device Therapy?

How Can Masking Devices Help with TinnitusOne of the options or types of sound therapy available is masking. In short, masking exposes you to external noise that is at just the right loudness to partially or even completely cover up the tinnitus you experience. This is often done using white noise, pink noise, nature sounds, or other types of subtle sounds. The noise itself comes from the use of sound machines. With these, it is possible to see a temporary break from tinnitus.

Could this option work for you? Most of the time, masking devices are most effective during or immediately after active use. That means they do not last very long in terms of results. However, they do provide relief for many patients. It is for this reason that they are often used as one of the first treatment options for tinnitus in many men and women.

If you are experiencing a ringing in the ears that’s significant and it is causing difficulties in your daily life, reach out to our LCSW-R in New York City to learn more about your treatment options as well as the condition itself.

 

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Which Medications Can Treat Tinnitus?

Whenever possible, your doctors will recommend the use of noninvasive and non-medication solutions for your tinnitus. Why is that? Medications have side effects that can cause additional problems. More so, since tinnitus is generally a benign condition that does not usually have a concerning cause, many doctors don’t want to treat it using more aggressive methods, like the use of medications, unless it is necessary.

If you are suffering from tinnitus and you need help, your first step should be to contact our LCSW-R in New York City for more information and treatment options.

When Medications May Help

It is true that some medications can cause tinnitus. If that is the case with you (such as, you may have recently started experiencing tinnitus after starting to take a medication) your doctor will work with you to determine if another medication may be a better fit. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of medications to help you with tinnitus even if it is not brought on by them.

Medications are not cures for tinnitus. In some people, they can help to reduce just how severe it is, though, and may help to reduce any complications you have from tinnitus. Some of those medications include the following:

    • Alprazolam: This medication, often sold as Niravam or Xanax, is a tool that can help to reduce tinnitus symptoms. There are side effects including drowsiness and nausea. In addition, this medication can be habit-forming, making it used less often than others.
    • Tricyclic Antidepressants: This medication, such as nortriptyline and amitriptyline, can often be a first line of defense when giving patients medications for tinnitus. These medications have limited success, but they are often only used for severe causes. They have side effects including dry mouth, constipation, heart-related risks, and blurred vision, making them high risk to some people.

Which Medications Can Treat TinnitusShould you use medications to treat tinnitus? The answer to that depends on many factors. One of those factors is whether you’ve exhausted other types of treatment options that may work for you. When you come in to see your LCSW-R in New York City, we will talk about all of your options and offer the recommendation that is going to give you the best possible outcome with the fewest number of potential side effects or risks. Contact our offices to learn more about your options and treatments.

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Using Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus Treatment

Using Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus TreatmentTinnitus may be the type of condition that warrants medical help. Tinnitus, which is also known as a ringing in the ears, is not an uncommon condition. In some people, it becomes severe enough that it interferes with day to day life. When that happens, it can be time to turn to a trusted professional to learn more about the potential treatment options available to you. When you call our LCSW-R in New York City, you’ll learn more about tinnitus and what can be done about it. One of the ways that we can help you is by providing you with a range of treatments.

What Are Alternative Treatment Options?

The most common traditional medical treatments for tinnitus include the use of sound therapy and medications. However, many people are looking for a more holistic treatment plan and one that will provide better results for their needs. This is when you may want to consider alternative treatments. It is important to know that none of these treatments are going to cure the condition. And, some people may not see improvement from tinnitus from the use of them. Success depends on the underlying cause as well as the overall needs of the patient.

Nevertheless, there may be some help available to people who want to pursue alternative treatments for tinnitus. Some of those may include:

    • Acupuncture – This treatment focuses on improving the flow of energy through the body and is based off of Ancient Chinese methoUsing Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus Treatmentds. Many people find it can be beneficial to improving overall quality of life.
    • Hypnosis – Since tinnitus can often result from the brain’s belief that sounds are present even when they are not, hypnosis may be a treatment option for some people.
    • Supplements – There is some evidence that nutritional deficiencies can cause this condition. Some people may see the benefit of using these as a treatment as well. Some recommendations include B Vitamins, Zinc, and Ginkgo biloba. Speak to your doctor about these supplement options before you take them.

Using Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus TreatmentAlternative treatments for tinnitus can be helpful. However, your first step in treating this condition should be to seek out the help from a trusted LCSW-R in New York City. Let our team get a better understanding of what is causing your symptoms and what can be done about them. You may find that treatment for tinnitus is possible at restoring your quality of life.

 

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Changing Medications: Treating Your Tinnitus

Although many people experience tinnitus for unknown reasons, for some people it is possible to learn the underlying cause. For some, it is related to the type of medication a person is taking. It’s always important to seek out medical care for any type of tinnitus, and to do so before changing any of the medications you may be on.

It is best to always talk to your primary care doctor or the doctor that is prescribing your medications about the symptoms you develop especially if they become severe. You can also talk to your LCSW-R in New York City about tinnitus and treatment options for it.

What Types of Medications Can Cause Tinnitus?

Many types of medications are known to cause tinnitus in some people. It does not occur in all people who take these medications. And, the severity of tinnitus will change from one person to the next. Below are some of the most common medications that are known to cause tinnitus:

    • Pain medications including over the counter aspirin and ibuprofen. Some people report the condition when taking naproxen.
    • Some types of antidepressants can cause tinnitus.
    • Some blood pressure medications and related heart medications can cause tinnitus.
    • Some types of cancer drugs can also cause tinnitus.

These medications are often necessary for your care. You should not stop taking them if you develop tinnitus. That’s because tinnitus is generally not a condition that is concerning and it does not cause additional symptoms or complications in most people. However, it can be the sign of an underlying vessel concern or other related ear condition that may need further care.

What To Do If Tinnitus Becomes Overwhelming

If you’ve started taking a medication and that medication is causing you to have tinnitus on a consistent basis or even chronically, you can do something about it. You should talk to your LCSW-R in New York City to learn more about the condition and underlying cause. You can talk to your prescribing doctor about it as well. If the condition is too much to just live with, you may be able to switch to another version of the medication you are taking and that can help to reduce the symptoms.

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What Is Tinnitus Retaining?

What Is Tinnitus RetainingSound therapy is one of the treatment options for tinnitus. It is often used because it is noninvasive and can be highly effective for some people. If you suffer from ringing in your ears that is constant or that is chronic enough that it limits your day to day activities, it is always a good idea to turn to our LCSW-R in New York City to learn more about your options as well as the treatment options that may help you.

Many people can find a treatment that fits their needs and helps them to overcome this difficult situation. One of those options in tinnitus retraining.

How Does It Work?

Tinnitus retraining is, as the name implies, a way of retraining the way you hear. It is a type of sound therapy that uses external sounds to change what you hear or what you perceive you are hearing. Many times, it can be very effective because it helps to change the way your brain processes sounds in a noninvasive and low risk way. Here’s a bit more about how it works.

What Is Tinnitus RetainingPatients who use tinnitus retraining will wear a device. This device will sit behind the ear and deliver sound to it the ear through a tube. The device will be programmed to fit your needs specifically. It will create a tonal music that works to mask the specific frequencies of the type and severity of your tinnitus. This can take a bit of time to get right. However, the goal of this procedure is to get your brain to become accustomed to the tinnitus.

As a result of this, you will learn to not focus on it. Your brain no longer notices it and that leads to reduce symptoms overall.

It is important to know that tinnitus retraining and other types of sound therapy may require additional support. This may include some aspects of counseling. That’s because of the complexity of this condition and how it impacts your brain’s way of thinking.

What Is Tinnitus RetainingIf you suffer from tinnitus or think you may have it, do not ignore it. Though it is a harmless symptom to most people, it can have underlying concerns your doctor should know about. And, with treatment options like tinnitus retraining available to you, there’s no need to put off getting the help you need from our New York City LCSW-R team. Call us to learn more.

 

Call today for a free 15min phone consultation 646-213-2321

Tinnitus Cognitive Center

Stephen Geller Katz, LCSW-R
19 West 34th Street
Penthouse Floor
New York, NY 10001


Call today for a consultation
646-213-2321